Indivisibles,

On Monday, President Trump signed a flurry of cruel, reckless, and in some
cases flagrantly unconstitutional executive orders. One in particular
checks all three of those boxes: His attempt to end birthright
citizenship. 

Birthright citizenship is the principle that every baby born on US soil is
a US citizen. Its basis is the 14th Amendment of our Constitution, which
could not be more clear: 

All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the
jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State
wherein they reside. 

The executive order is already being challenged in at least two different
lawsuits. Despite the MAGA-fication of our courts, it’s very unlikely to
survive these suits.

But as it makes its way through the courts, it’s imperative we do two
things: 

 1. Limit the damage of this EO on babies born in this country
 2. Maximize the political damage of this lawless, xenophobic order on
Trump and any Republican who refuses to disavow it

Trump has overreached 

Voters elected Trump to lower prices, not strip citizenship away from
babies and cause absolute Constitutional chaos. Yes -- many voters
reported caring about immigration and border security. This ain’t that.
There’s a Grand Canyon-sized chasm between what the public supports and
the draconian policies favored by Trump and his fascist muse Stephen
Miller. 

Ending birthright citizenship is especially unpopular. A recent
[ [link removed] ]Quinnipiac poll shows that 63% support the current policy (you know,
the one that’s constitutionally mandated). Only 29% want it changed. Other
polls show similar numbers. 

And for good reason. This order would create a subclass of stateless
children who could be denied access to healthcare, education, and basic
protections. It applies to children of people here under all sorts of
legal statuses, including student visa holders, under protected status
like DACA, or here under work visas. Kamala Harris wouldn’t qualify for
citizenship if this were in place when she was born. 

We’ve been saying that Trump would quickly overreach, and when he did,
it’d be up to us (that means you) to help drive backlash. This is our
first opportunity. And mind you -- this isn’t simply to erode Trump’s
support so we can win elections. This backlash is necessary to stymie
inhumane policies like this one and start getting vulnerable Republicans
to distance themselves from the cruel and chaotic madness. 

What you can do right now

Whether your actions help blunt the immediate damage of this EO, stoke
backlash to it, or both, depends on where you live and who represents you
(if you aren't sure, [ [link removed] ]you can look up your elected officials here). Here
are some options: 

If you have a Democratic Governor

Tell your Democratic governor to stand up against Trump’s executive
order by making sure children born in your state receive a birth
certificate -- as required by the Constitution. Governor Pritzker of
Illinois has set the tone with [ [link removed] ]statements like this -- if he’s your
governor, thank him!

[ [link removed] ]You can use our call tool to contact your governor. 

 

If you have one or more Republican Member(s) of Congress

 1. Demand they speak out: If you are represented by a Republican
senator or senators, or a Republican representative, contact them
and ask if they will publicly repudiate the executive order. You can
contact them using our email and call tools. Publicize their answer!
[ [link removed] ]Call your Republican members of Congress >>
[ [link removed] ]Email your Republican members of Congress >>

 2. Hold them accountable in the local press: [ [link removed] ]You can use our letter
to the editor tool to send our sample letter -- or one you write --
to your local papers calling out Republican officials for their
silence on Trump’s un-American, unlawful order.

 

If you have one or more Democratic Member(s) of Congress

We’re not going to succeed in fueling a backlash to Trump’s xenophobic
order unless people with big megaphones are talking about it too. Use
our email and call tools to urge your Democratic member(s) of Congress
to condemn it loudly and often. 

[ [link removed] ]Call your Democratic member(s) of Congress >>
[ [link removed] ]Email your Democratic member(s) of Congress >> 

All these actions, our social toolkit, and more can be found on this
[ [link removed] ]central landing page. 

Donald Trump’s executive order is a desperate and unconstitutional
overreach, revealing his willingness to gamble with the rights of newborns
and the foundations of American democracy. By targeting the 14th
Amendment, Trump has overplayed his hand, exposing the cruelty and
extremism of his agenda. This is a fight we can and must win. Let’s
deliver the blowback this attack deserves.

In solidarity,
Indivisible Team

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